The Guyana government says it has approved a five per cent across the board increase in salaries and wages for some categories of public servants.

It said the increase, which is retroactive to January 1, 2012, will be for workers employed in ministries, departments not under ministerial control, regional administrations and those who are engaged on contracts within the public service.

A government statement said that the decision to approve the five per cent salary increase was taken ... to avoid the disappointment of workers who have expectations of a salary increase payout, before Christmas.

The Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that workers receive a living wage, and will continue its participation in the ongoing negotiations between the workers' representatives and the Government with the intention of ultimately arriving at a multiyear wages and salary agreement.

There has been no public comment from trade unions to the latest government decision, but in the past they have been critical of the governments position.

CMC